Waterwings

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Child with waterwings

Water wings, also called floaties, arm bands and swimmies, are a device to help a wearer float in water and learn to swim.

Water wings are typically cylindrical inflatable plastic band that is inflated and worn on the upper arm. When the wearer is in water, the air inside the water wings provides buoyancy on account of its far lower density than the water. Although often thought of as a child's floatation device, water wings are also available in adult sizes.

Although water wings are popular among small children, swimming experts caution against using them, because although water wings help the child to float, they do not prevent him/her from accidentally going under water and potentially drowning. Waterwings are not a life-saving device. Mistaking them for one can create a potentially fatal false sense of security. National safety standards such as BS EN 13138-1:2003 require water wings to confirm to certain standards, such as puncture resistance and the level of buoyancy retained after a period of time beyond the inflation valve being opened and left open (an assessment of the efficiency of non-return valves designed to prevent the wings deflating suddenly if an inflation valve is opened). Standards also require prominent labelling near to the inflation valves to the effect that water wings are not life preservers and should only be used under competent supervision.